PDZ interactions and proximal tubular phosphate reabsorption

Abstract

In adults, the extent of renal reabsorption of P_i and consequently the extent of urinary excretion of phosphate are to a large extent determined by the abundance of the Na-P_i cotransporter NaPi-IIa (SLC34A1). Localization of this cotransporter is restricted to the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells, and its abundance is controlled by a number of factors and pathophysiological conditions. To guarantee a proper apical localization and specific regulated endocytosis of NaPi-IIa, an orchestrated pattern of protein interactions has to be envisaged. Attempts to screen for such interacting proteins resulted in the identification of a PDZ domain containing proteins. The purpose of this review is to discuss the roles of these PDZ proteins in proximal tubular Na-P_i cotransport.